Claremont / Weaste Environment Task Group

CLAREMONT / WEASTE ENVIRONMENT TASK GROUP

22ndFebruary 2011

2:00 pm

All Hallows BusinessCollege

PRESENT:

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B. Downes (Resident)

V. Ivison (Resident)

J. Collins (Resident)

Cllr Ainsworth (Cllr & Resident)

K. Turner (Salix)

A. Devine (U.V)

C. Standish (ES)

L. Bates (minutes)

M. Walbank (C Servs)

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1.APOLOGIES: I. Cowelland K. Fairhurst.

1. Notes of meetings held on 14th DECEMBER 2010

It was noted that under Any Other Business item ‘Filter Lights’ it should have read left turn into Stott lane.

1. neighbourhood environmental improvements

• DolbyPark–It was reported that a proposed final plan should be ready by early March. Cllr Ainsworth suggested that an event to show the final plan to the local community would be beneficial. It was agreed that this would be a good idea and if possible, details would be shown at the forthcoming community tea event on 24th March. It was noted that the residents group in New Weaste would be organising a planting ‘in bloom’ day again this year with the help of the Weaste 6th Guides and support from C/W Community Committee and Salix.

Action:MW and CS to follow up the plans with Melanie Secombe.

• Adoptments–KT informed the meeting that Salix are now trying to focus on one adoptment at a time to start with. They are in the process of trying to identify a plot of land which will then be looked at to trial the initiative.

Action: KT update next meeting

• Borough / HumberPark – It was reported that if facilities for children were to be installed in the tree line, work to raise the path above the tree roots would be necessary which would cost approximately £2500. It was noted however, that the funding is not an issue if this is required and would not need to go to the lead member for approval. The main problem on the area is the collapsed drains. The team was advised that no work would commence until, United Utilities have completed the inspection of the drains and submitted the subsequent report.

• WestlandsPark – The new play equipment is still not open to the public due to the turf still being established.

Action:CS to obtain feedback from her team about progress.

• WeasteCemetery–Since the previous meeting VI had passed the name of the relevant contact from the Co-op to Cllr A. to liaise with regarding the land to the south of the cemetery. Cllr A. has subsequently contacted David Greenfield to discuss and is currently waiting for a reply from him.

BD advised that he had been informed by the city council that permission to de-list the lodge was being sought to enable them to demolish it as the most appropriate action

Links are continuing withSalfordUniversity to develop regular practical conservation volunteering sessions. These sessions have been open to both regular students and those attending the Wildlife Conservation Degree. So far three sessions have been held involving habitat management and development. Volunteering opportunities are also open to the general public through our city wide volunteering programme. The Ranger and Friends group worktogether on these sessions.

MW and BD had recently met with Linda Richings from the University which is keen to do community work. University representatives will be attending the community tea event on 24th March to look for ideas from the community. VI suggested that Fairbridge may have young people who could be involved in some work in the cemetery as it is on their doorstep.

• LightoaksPark

(a) Sports Area-MW informed the meeting that work is ongoing to improve the sports area and make it a more useable space.

(b)Green Gym – The equipment is installed and being well used.

There was some discussion regarding the former Oakwood school site and whether or not it is being maintained or left as a wildlife space. MW informed the meeting that at present due to local residents request the site is being maintained.

MW had been passed information regarding an old tree known as the “Fudge tree” named after a local artist. It had had been identified by parks staff as a category ‘b’ diseased tree to be cut down. A local resident objected to the action and a compromise was reached to save the tree but have its boughs cut back.

• CumbraeGardens

(a) Passageway - KT reported that work to install extra drainage to alleviate the flooding in the passageway between CumbraeGardens and Eccles New Road would commence once the quotes were in and accepted.

Action:Salix to update next meeting.

(b) Substation –The area was cleared recently but fly tipping had again started. Simon Geggy from the Environmental Crime Team went through the rubbish to try and identify any evidence of where the rubbish came from. He has contacted United Utilities and requested that the height of the wall/fence be raised in an attempt to deter people throwing rubbish in. It was noted that someone had smashed the lock off the gate to gain entry. This has since been replaced.

Action:Salix to update next meeting.

HIGHWAYS

a)Devolved Capital Budget Update

Progress updatesweregiven in respect of:

1. HopeVillage Shops– The matter of the zig-zag area is ongoing but a solution looks likely for work to begin. AD advised that some discussion will need to take place with the owner of Costcutter so he is agreeable before the work commences.

Action:AD and Cllr A to liaise with Mr Patel.

1. Red RoadStrip -Cllr A. raised the issue of the red strip across the crossing at Costcutter that is badly eroding to one side.

Action:AD will follow up and update at the next meeting.

1. Radcliffe / Swinton Park Road Driver Feedback Signs

The order for the feedback signs has been made and delivery is still awaited. UV is actively chasing the suppliers for the equipment. AD informed the meeting that since the previous meeting UV had replaced the stolen solar cell in the sign on Tootal Drive.

1. Traffic Calming: Fairhope Ave, Welwyn /Runnymeade /Cliftonville, Fairfield St and Dronfield Rd

AD advised that all consultation papers are ready to go, but are currently being held back due to the spending review. He explained that some schemes may not be completed if physical works have not started due to the financial situation.

b) Devolved Highways Revenue Budget Update

1. Footway repairs - The agreed footwayrepairs on the Fairhope estateare now complete.

1. Park Road name plate – UV are still waiting for delivery of the sign but have now identified a location for the sign to be put in place. It was noted that the location will not need any further consultation with Portland House residents.

Action:AD to update next meeting.

c)Road Safety Funding

1. S. Brabban attended the launch of the Walk once a Week (WoW) scheme in early January 2011at St John’s school, which went well. The temporary head teacher is very supportive of the scheme and has signed up to both WoW and cycle training and has agreed to put reminders about walking/parking in each of the school newsletters. Once the assistant head is back from maternity leave Sarah is keen to see the park and stride re-established possibly during the Walk to School Week in May(16th -20th) which has a focus on road safety this year.

1. The concerns regarding the crossing at the junction of Liverpool Rd and Weaste Lane have now been assessed by UV. The survey found that during the two independent days the survey was conducted the pedestrian and vehicle flow at the junction (PV2) did not reach the required criteria for a school crossing patrol or other kind of controlled crossing. It was noted that children and parents proceeding down Weaste Roadare able to cross at the push button crossing. AD advised that funding in the region of approximately £100k would be needed for some work to be carried out at the 5-way junction. Hazel Blears M.P. has asked for a meeting with the St Luke’s school Friends / governors to further discuss the issue on 25th March. The school have been advised that a Road Safety Officer can be made available to visit the school to speak to the children about their safest route if they so wish.

Action:Add to list of existing scheme of priorities. AD to update next meeting.

1. Other highways issues:

1. Oakwood Drive sign – The sign is now in situ.
2. Stott Lane junction - It was agreed that to install a left filter lane from Eccles Old Road into Stott lane would not work as it would interfere with the buses pulling out from the bus stop.. A possible suggestion was made to changing the signal timings to alleviate the traffic problems at the junction. However, this work should probably not take place until the new main entrance to the hospital on Eccles Old road is operational.

1. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Radcliffe Park Road–It was noted the vegetation around the area of Teapot Hall has now been cut back.

• Stott Lane Car Park – Cllr A reported that the railings around the car park were in a poor state. He asked if they could be repainted or possibly some kind of metal art work put up, maybe as a piece of work with Buile Hill High school pupils. He also asked if the group could look to do something to the banking side also. The matter of the old Groundwork garden was also raised as an area of concern. The group was advised that the area is very overgrown and unsightly and would benefit from some tiding up.

• Love Food Hate Waste – CS informed the meeting that an event is being held at De La Salle College on 23rdFebruary to celebrate the campaignafter the 100 cooking demonstrations given by the students. A sit down meal will follow a demonstration with the theme being 'Love Food / Hate Waste’; using recipes the students at the college have developed. If anyone would like a free demonstration to be given by the students, they should contact the college and ask to speak to Lee Alsopp. Due to the success of the first event a further date has been added on 23rd March.

• Textile Recycling Scheme – Clare has been working with students at Buile Hill High to recycle textiles and old clothes. The lessons were so well received another session is being planned with the school. CS has been in contact with a local fashion designer and a clothes collection company who are willing to help support the scheme.

• The issue of broken and dirty bollards not reflecting properly in particular along Eccles New Road was raised.

Action: Residents present were advised to contact the call centre on 909 6505 to report the issues.

1. NEXT MEETING

26thApril 2011, 2.00pm, Venue TBC

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